Colts' Review 2013

Girls’ Section (Coaches: Sarah Osborne and Georgia Adams)A mix of ages and abilities. We had about ten or twelve on some weeks so a great start in our first year of running a girls’ section.

Under 9s (Pld 14, W10, L2 Tied1 Aban1 – Coach: Peter Jones)After a slow start, Peter’s Under 9s became invincible! In Peter’s view, they were the second best team in the league even if Billingshurst pipped them to runners up after being the last team to beat our 9s on the 19th June. The run-in involved a win at home to Roffey when Ben Skirrow took an amazing six wickets from his two overs. Ben then made a net 10 runs with Johnny Murtagh as Toby Barton took us home with nine as we won by three runs. So overall a great season with Toby and Adam Trees being prominent in most games. Toby was accepted into Northern Knights at the end of the season.

Under 10s (Pld9, W4, L4 Cx1 – Coach: James Howgate)James’ team also started slowly but improved. They won their last two games but an absence of completed scorecards makes it difficult to see who the key players are. Next season is their first playing proper cricket as they say good bye to Pairs’ cricket; they also compete in the SJCF for the first time and Gus James followed Toby Barton into 2014 Northern Knights

Under 11s (Pld16, W8, L7, Cx1 – Coach: Julian Pinkney)Despite a disappointing first festival for this age group, many players have grown and learned so much from the season. Well led by Julian with able assistance from “Anna the Admin”, the side finished runners up to Horsham in the League. Ben Lucking and Toby Taylor both had terrific seasons with bat and ball but their performances were certainly assisted by everyone else including Joe Trees and Alex Pegler with the ball, Ben Ingham, Will Lowdell and Tom Page with the bat and Ross Lucas with bat and ball. Julian has hung up his clipboard after one season so a new coach will manage this age group next season.

Under 12s (Pld15, W8, L6, Cx1 – Coach: Nick Burroughs)A talented age group. Several outstanding individuals aided by some unsung heroes. From keeper Scott Foice who surrendered the gloves mid-season to Luke Tolson to focus on his bowling and fielding; Bertie Treasure and the two Freddies who played most games and always gave their all plus Elliot Brown who made his first half century in the festival. There are many other players we need to mention in this side who will undoubtedly represent this club next year in the 3rds, Sunday side and possibly the 2s. Captain Archie Fairclough-Wood, Will Pearce, Larry Moir (who did make his adult debut this year), Matt Burroughs,Alfie Batchelor and the ever energetic Luke following in big brother John’s footsteps. LaurenFisher never put up with any nonsense from the boys and retained her place in the 2014 Sussex Girls’ side. Finally a huge thanks to Squadron Leader Burroughs who has at last given in to his work schedule and hung up his cricket cap. He’s always tried to spend his spare time in the summer, running this side and we thank him enormously for his efforts. We hope to see him playing with Matt at some stage next year. Will and Larry got into Northern Knights at the end of the season

Under 13s (Pld14, W6, L8 – Coach: Phil Abbott)A real season of two halves for Phil’s boys. Again like the 12s, some strong individuals like Danny Abbott and Reuben Taylor who both ended up bowling for the 3rds as well as the 13s. This may explain why we lost our first seven games! They may have been too tired! However both boys did get a chance to bat and bat they did in the festival when both made tons for the first time. Reuben and Dan were ably supported by Alfie Reeves (following in the footsteps of his dad and older twin brothers) and Harry Staples. Phil’s job will definitely be to get bigger performances from the rest of his squad in 2014 so they are not overly reliant on one of two players. At the end of the season, Reuben got into Northern Knights for 2014

Under 14s (Pld13 W10, L3 – Coach: Neil Miller)The team a year older have some similarities! They did rely on one or two individuals although the supporting cast tended to produce more regularly. The key players in this age group were Eddie Miller and Charlie Davies who broke into the 1st XI this season but the supporting cast included, but not exclusively, 3rd XI bowler, George Lee, (who also bats for the 14s!), Toby Hurry, Sam Mustow (on loan from Madehurst) and signed from Billingshurst, Caspar Plumridge. As a result, the team won the IDL Under 14 South Division (our only trophy of the season) and were like the 13s, one win from the SJCF Shield Final. More to come undoubtedly from this group next season and hopefully more will play adult cricket. Eddie and Charlie both got into Knights.

Under 16s (Pld10, W8, L1, Cx1 – Coach: Tim Monday)The spirit of cricket was not in evidence at the coach’s parent club when Wisborough effectively denied our lads the Under 16’s league title; Wis dropped several catches to stop the retired JE-M returning to the crease to win us the game. The festival, which this group should have been more than capable of reaching the final, was blown in the first game when Findon denied us victory at the Rec. This side has always been a few remaining U16 aided by 15s and some better 14s. This year was no exception. Eddie Miller, Casper Plumridge and Charlie Davies played most games with “old men”, JEM, RC-P and Gabbers and the able 15s led by Tom Good and Henry Menzies-Smith. Many boys at this age group are now playing adult cricket – Tom is now playing 1s and 2s for Storrington. Finally Hugh McGregor sums up much of what the club is about by playing several Sunday games and keeping all the adults in check!

The club would like to personally thank all parents that helped during the season - assisting with coaching and administering the sides. We look forward to some more great colts’ cricket in 2014. If you want to be involved next season helping any of the age groups, please contact Colts Chairman Will Hasler or your child’s coach/administrator.